Perceived Built Environment Characteristics of On-Campus and Off-Campus Neighborhoods Associated With Physical Activity of College Students.

OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in neighborhood environment and their association with physical activity (PA) levels of on-campus compared with off-campus students. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 822 undergraduate students at a mid-sized mid-Atlantic university.
METHODS: Students completed the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Abbreviated and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in October 2013.
RESULTS: Lower residential density, traffic safety, and crime scores and higher land-use mix diversity, aesthetics, and lack of parking scores were reported among on-campus residents. On-campus residents reported higher levels of active transportation PA, leisure PA, and total PA. Land-use mix diversity, aesthetics, and lack of cul-de-sacs were associated with physical activity level.
CONCLUSION: The on-campus and off-campus environments differ in ways that may impact the ability of undergraduate students to be physically active. Strategies to promote continued active transportation and leisure PA are discussed.